Recent Quality Concerns? Fall 2015 On Especially?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
Forum Discription: Find r-pod reviews and new product announcements here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7285
Printed Date: 18 Apr 2024 at 11:50am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Recent Quality Concerns? Fall 2015 On Especially?
Posted By: fleurdenola
Subject: Recent Quality Concerns? Fall 2015 On Especially?
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 4:23pm
|
I'm smitten with the 2016 r-pod 179 and have one "waiting for me" nearby if I could take the plunge and buy it already. But in the course of my research, especially on this forum, I've come across a lot of complaints posted recently about the quality issues in the 2016's as a whole, and with back window leaks when it comes to the 179's.
Overall, do you guys feel these issues are the new norm for r-pods, or is this just a case of unhappy consumers are more likely to post than happy ones and these problems are more of an exception? Does anyone have an r-pod produced in Fall 2015 with the new changes and, if so, have you experienced major issues or seen quality deficiencies? I'm just trying to assess whether these issues have become so rampant with the new r-pods that'd I'd be better advised to look at something else? Thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: Commander203
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 4:51pm
|
I've had no major problems that I've found yet. Everything works as it should. I've read on here where some folks have had no problems with this model at all, and then there is the other end of the spectrum where there have been major problems. I don't think about if I'm going to have a problem or not, I just enjoy my trailer and if a problem pops up I'll deal with it at that time. No worries, enjoy the adventure is my philosophy. I think buying any trailer is hit and miss on quality. ------------- Mike & Erin 2013 Tundra 4.6L V8 (Tow PK) 2006 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 2005 Honda VTX 1800N |
Posted By: kylekai
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 6:01pm
|
I have had my 2015 RPOD 179 for over a year now, camped in it a total of about 12 weeks, and have had only very minor problems with it. As with most forums, people tend to post when they have problems. Not too many posts that just say "I have no problems with my RPOD!" ------------- |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 6:47pm
|
unfortunately i cant speak for newer models (have a 2013 177). my only complaint is about hogone; he needs to do some mods!!! hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: LuvPod
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 7:51pm
| As we stated in our introduction post, we bought our brand new 2015 172 this past October and yet to take it out camping. Currently, the two problems we have are minor cosmetic ones and after we visited Forest River's factory here in Oregon (we were there for a tour) last weekend the wonderful folks there simply took care of it. Should we have any other problems, they gave us the option of bringing in the rPod when we're in town so they can take care of it right away or call them. They would prefer to take care of any problems as soon as possible before they worsen. Plus the folks there are very informative and give lots and lots of tips regarding the rpod. |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Dec 2015 at 9:09pm
If it be you are seeing more complaints it could be a rise in popularity of the r-pods and with more being sold there would be more r-pods on the road having the opportunity for something to go wrong. Just trying to think of a possible logical answer.  I was once told by a doctor not to have surgery around the holidays because the doctors mind is likely to be somewhere else. Perhaps a r-pod built around the holidays may have been built by workers with there minds somewhere else. Maybe someone could think of another reason.------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 9:09am
|
There is also the "Friday afternoon effect" often cited on camping forums when problems crop up. If they build 50 a week, 10 a day, then 5 of them will be finished up on Friday afternoon. Just like holidays, the guy with the caulk gun will have other things on his mind, then. Or he'll be under pressure to get them all done before closing time so he'll rush.
While the root problem is the quality of the original construction, there should be a "safety net" with a quality control feedback loop. On Monday morning the QC manager should be going over those same campers with his checklist, sending them back if he finds a gap in the caulk or any other problem. Instead those problems are just shipped along (literally) to the dealers. There should be a second "safety net" in the form of a delivery acceptance inspection (or pre-delivery to the consumer, or both), where the dealer should catch those problems and fix them - charging FR for the repair, which is more expensive than if they took care of it at the factory. Finally there should be a third "safety net" during the consumer walk-through. It seems many of these problems are making it to the walk-through, or worse, the consumer is finding them post-delivery. To be fair to FR - there are some problems that just won't be evident until the camper gets on the road. A tail light with a bad solder joint (from its manufacturer) may not break until you hit a few pot holes. Caulk on the roof that passed a quick spray-down during the QC inspection loosens up during a heavy downpour at 60 mph. Pipe joints that held up during a pressure test during QC and dealer inspections, but vibrate loose at mile 100. This stuff happens. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 9:56am
|
It's a house.. that goes 70mph.. Look what happens to real houses when earthquakes or 70mph winds hit them.. stuff comes loose.
------------- |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 2:10pm
|
I am on my second pod. Have been really lucky with both. Each had a couple of minor issues and were brought ride back to the dealers and all issues were fixed under warranty. I can't stress enough to do a really thorough walk through and then have any issues addressed under warranty. If you buy used, you need to really check them over before you purchase it. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 2:56pm
|
Whether its r-pods, televisions, or cell phones, when you 'check online' you'll find an over-representation of complaints. Its the nature of things - when someone has an issue with their new toy, they post to (a) see if anyone has a solution and (b) warn everyone else. On the other hand, when that new toy works perfectly, there isn't such a compelling reason to post about it - and so, very few positive posts tend to be created. That said, a new travel trailer is not like a new car; the rigid quality control simply isn't there. Instead, a new travel trailer is more like a new house; there will be issues - mostly small, but sometimes annoying. And, like a new home warranty where the builder is called back to fix things, a travel trailer has a warranty and it is pretty much expected that a new travel trailer will be brought back to the dealer to correct issues. My advice is to make a list of all the issues you run across in the first 4-6 weeks and bring it back to your dealer for repairs. They will be happy to see you - they EXPECT to see you - and the issues will be fixed without fuss. Its the way the industry works. The customer has final review on product quality. And that's why choosing an RV dealer is as important as choosing a manufacturer/model/floorplan. Ask friends/family/strangers-with-trailers which dealer they bought from and for recommendations on which dealer to buy from. When you visit dealerships and speak to sales reps, ask to have a tour of the repair facility as well. Make sure that this is the dealership you want. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: fleurdenola
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2015 at 6:44pm
Thanks all of you! My nerves have been somewhat calmed. 
|
Posted By: Commander203
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2015 at 8:17am
|
Also remember you can purchase an additional one year of factory warranty from Forest River for only one hundred fifty bucks. You just have to make sure you purchase it with ninety days of taking delivery. I thought it was a good investment. ------------- Mike & Erin 2013 Tundra 4.6L V8 (Tow PK) 2006 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 2005 Honda VTX 1800N |
Posted By: The Principal
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2016 at 6:16pm
|
Don`t know if anyone else has had this problem or not. My pod developed a leak at the air foil on the back.It was installed and no sealant was placed under it or around the edges. The nonstainless screws rusted out and I had to have it removed sealed and stainless screws put in place. Very disssapointed in the subpar work when was constructed. Now I have water stains and sour uphostry . Very upset about the quality of workmanship. The price of the camper brings expectations of better quality workmanship and quality control. ------------- The Principal R-176 Fish Pod |
Posted By: timpod
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 12:21pm
Thanks for the heads up on rusted air foil screws, I'll have to keep an eye on mine.. Or replace as preventative maintenance. ------------- 2016 Pod 172 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 1:19pm
|
Another fact of life is how quickly FR had to scale up production. Not easy to do. When dealers are screaming for them because Rpods sell so quick, then FR has to get the volume out. In a perfect world the new Assembly and QC people would be trained in all things Rpod, but the reality is they have been recently reassigned or are new hires. I researched the Rpod extensively before I bought it, I knew exactly what I was getting into - I wasn't expecting a unicorn for $15k. ------------- |
Posted By: timpod
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 1:34pm
Thanks to these forums, which I read before my purchase, I was also aware of what I was getting into... but still, it's frustrating to fill up your water tank for the first time only to discover that you're filling up the interior of your rpod with water instead! because improperly tightened hose clamps. So though I'm still happy with the purchase, having a certain amount of DYI skills will make your pod life less frustrating. ------------- 2016 Pod 172 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 1:41pm
|
Oh, I agree the level of QC is unacceptable. FR should not be using the "F*ck it, ship it!" mentality. Things like plumbing disasters will eventually bring them a lot of pain in the form of class action lawsuits. Trust me, I am keeping my fingers crossed... I already found some things that made me go grrr! (I'll be addressing some of those issues during my next mod diary update) ------------- |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 6:19pm
Reading posts like this are very irritating for me. Why does it always come to lawsuit threats for some folks? Some, far from most, owners have had problems. The vast majority of them have been promptly handled by dealers and FR. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: codycountry
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 6:51pm
|
I 100 % agree with you Keith. Plus I haven't seen even one class action lawsuit, maybe there are some out there? Yet venting is good for the soul sometimes, so I hope they feel better. My 1013 Rpod has been a solid build. I've pulled it up some rocky two track 4x4 roads and rough gravel roads and all I've fixed is on piece of stapled on trim that came off, and a sticky bathroom door trim. Easy. No complaints.
|
Posted By: J&Jcf
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 6:53pm
|
I had a leak that I thought was coming from the poorly sealed light bar/ air dam. Caulked but leak persisted during heavy rain. Used hose and sprayed further up on roof. It turned out it was leaking around the ac on door/ right side. Since I was leaving on trip next day I caulked exterior of ac on front and both sides. Problem solved. When I got back I figured out how to remove interior ac plastic to get at 4 bolts that hold ac in place. They where barely tightened. Tightened down to specs. Can't find leak check up stream. I listed how to remove ac plastic panel in another post. Others post 50 ft lbs for tightin bolts. Good luck. My leak at first seemed like it was coming from rear window but was actually leaking from that strip above window and it was brown color that mean it travelled a ways. ------------- J. - 2011 rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 7:36pm
Those Middle Ages pods came with some interesting options. Upgrades to solid wooden wheels, trebuchet rack for the rear receiver, waste bucket option for the bathroom.  ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 7:41pm
|
Doug, you don't miss a thing, you sharp eyed owl ! They also had an upgrade harness for 2 horses to pull, instead of the usual 1 horse model.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 8:36pm
When did I threaten lawsuits? I guess you didn't read my other post where I actually defended FR? Or did you just miss all my points completely? ------------- |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 8:39pm
Annnnd, when did I threaten lawsuits? Did read my post where I defended FR? ------------- |
Posted By: codycountry
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 8:51pm
|
Techntrek, I really want the trebuchet rack for my Rpod out here in the formerly wild west. Kindly provide contact info for purchase. Then provide the build info for the trebuchet. That would be a blast! I love those things. Maybe I can get a grizzly bear or wolf with one of those. Whole new perspective to Rpoding. Fun stuff. Thanks for opening up new Rpod horizons!
|
Posted By: fleurdenola
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 11:11pm
|
As the original author of this topic that has gotten much attention in the last few days, I thought I'd post an update. I purchased my 2016 179 and picked it up on December 16. It's been great! A few minor issues, but nothing at all major or unexpected. I will say that thanks to this forum and the FB group I was well educated with what to look for as warning signs before agreeing to purchase. My dealer had 4 179's on the lot and I deeply inspected each and hand picked the one I wanted to purchase. My dealer let me spend extensive, unsupervised time in each one. I will say there was 1 in which I found several of the issues I'd read about. On mine, I saw none. The minor issues I've dealt with have been an unconnected interior speaker (easy fix), a broken flip foot jack bolt after 2 trips (easy fix), and a pain in the you know what gas/CO2 detector (still working on that).
I adore my pod. I'm so glad I found this forum and the FB group to support me through my first time RVer fears. I am much more active on the FB group than this group, due to convenience as well as level of activity. But, I hope to see y'all around both places! Kathryn Houston, TX |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2016 at 10:00pm
BOOM! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2016 at 10:02pm
1-800-TREBUCHET Just $2495 if you order now! But wait, there's more! Order now and get TWO for the price of ONE! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 9:10am
I looked at the picture in the other post. The screws should be tightened to 50 in lbs. There is quite a difference between the two. Doug, Thanks for a good laugh. I would really like to see that trebuchet built and mounted. Any graphic artists here who could post a drawing of it? ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 3:32pm
Gee. this seems like a threat to me. As for reading your posts I am not likely to give them much time in the future. Have a nice life. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Westgl
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2016 at 9:30pm
|
It would interesting to see a Problem anayalysis poll made with a series of Check boxes like
year model Hood river or not (this may tell what mfg facility it came from) Problem selection Leak Roof Window other This data log may reveal where some of the problems lay ------------- 2010 RAV4 V6 2017 RPOD 179 Hood River Edition Dual 6 volt Batts Dual propane Tanks Batt Disconnect Bed leg extension Dinette modification Renogy 100w solar Motorcycles several currently |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2016 at 10:07pm
|
I suspect the data would be biased, most owners only go looking for info and find us if they have a problem.. thousands of owners, who may have had no issues at all, may be out there, happily podding along. ------------- |
Posted By: ron/roscoe
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2016 at 1:38pm
|
Quality control is a big problem with FR. Top quality comes with a higher price. Once you look in the walls and other hidden areas, you will see bent screws and many screws missing. Something is wrong with the three safety net inspections and you still have basic problems. This forum has helped me fix several items that my dealer in Myrtle Beach missed. I have owned many RV's over the past 25 years and FR is the worst in quality control. Boy, Iso 9000 quality control inspectors would have a great Time writing up all the problems. I am one of the Iso inspectors (retired). My suggestion is to never buy an RV in a resort town, due to many trips back to the dealer for repairs. I love my Od 178, 2016 model but it is a lot of work. ------------- Ron Rowland |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2016 at 3:52pm
|
We have bought two new rpods, a 2010 171 and a 2015 179. Barring a couple very minor issues ( that were all taken care of under warranty) we have had no serious issues and are very happy with our pods! One important thing to remember is that your dealer is the one that should do an inspection and either reject the pods if there area real problems or fix them before you ever touch your rpod. We had a seal issue, a a/c shroud that had a crack near a screw and peeling stickers. Also a bad CO detector, all issues were addressed and fixed by our dealership with no hassle or problems. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |